Lib Dem Victory on Education

12.00.00am GMT Sat 18th Jan 2003

Liberal Democrats in Orpington have scored a significant victory on the funding of local schools in the face of opposition from diehard Tory councillors.

At the recent Orpington Area Council meeting, Liberal Democrats Cllr Martin Curry and Cllr David McBride successfully proposed a motion that the Council should pass on the full increase in Education funding to Bromley's schools. The Tories running Bromley Council have a history of keeping back some of this money to keep the Council Tax increase down.

Cray Valley East Councillor Martin Curry said that he was delighted that the motion was passed by the Committee. "We have heard that school inspection reports are now commenting on the poor level of funding in Bromley. Additionally, a survey by the Headteachers' Union says that Bromley has the worst record in London for passing down school finances. Hopefully this shameful record will end this year."

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr David McBride attacked the Tories who opposed the motion. "Public meetings are showing that there is a real concern among parents and school governors that school funding in Bromley is too low. I am amazed that Tories voted again to keep money out of our schools."

The recommendation from the Area Committee will now go to the Council's Executive when they agree the budget for next year.